Record Early Ice Outs 2016

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

USA

Global warming has contributed to a lengthening of the warm (growing) season, especially in mid- to-high latitudes. Regional analyses show a trend toward earlier ice break-up and snow melting in spring that is consistent with the enhanced warming observed at higher latitudes.

Science Sources

Ice out is a term used by officials to indicate when lakes that freeze over in the winter are sufficiently ice free to allow boats out onto the water without getting stopped by ice.

Global warming has contributed to a lengthening of the warm (growing) season, especially in mid- to-high latitudes. Regional analyses show a trend toward earlier ice break-up and snow melting in spring that is consistent with the enhanced warming observed at higher latitudes.

On Thursday, March 17, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office announced It had been 138 years since Lake Minnetonka (an inland lake outside of Minneapolis) was clear of ice so early in the season.